24 Jan, 2012
Have Mercy on Me – Video from The Gathering
Posted by: Bob Kauflin In: —Free Sheet Music|—Liturgy|—Sovereign Grace Music|—WorshipGod Conferences
The first song I heard that I thought would be on our most recent album, The Gathering, was Have Mercy on Me. Co-written by Dale Bischof and Pat Sczebel, it combines grief over sin with an assurance of God’s mercy in Christ.
Even though as Christians all our sins are completely forgiven (Col. 2:13), we can continue to battle either ongoing condemnation or arrogant presumption. The first results in an attitude that binds us, discourages us, and makes us fearful of approaching God. The second equally dangerous mindset supposes that because our sins have been paid for by Christ’s substitutionary death, we don’t have to think about them any more. They’re not that big a deal.
The reality is, embracing the gospel leads us to an ever deepening awareness of our sinfulness, internal and external, accompanied by an ever growing grateful amazement that God has shown us lavish mercy in Jesus. This song helps us to express both.
Download the guitar chart. Download the lead sheet. Lyrics below.
I am a sinner, You’re blameless, Lord
My sins against You can’t be ignored
They will be punished, I know they must
Your laws demands it, for You are just
If You would count everything that I’ve done wrong
Who could stand?
But there’s forgiveness with You, God
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
A broken and a contrite heart
You won’t turn away
Have mercy on me, have mercy on me
Because of Your steadfast love
Father of mercy, You gave Your Son
To make atonement for wrongs I have done
What You required Jesus fulfilled
I don’t deserve it, I never will
If You would count everything that I’ve done wrong
Who could stand?
But there’s forgiveness with You, God
Music and words by Dale Bischof and Pat Sczebel.
© 2011 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP).
David Mathis, of Desiring God Ministries, has written an excellent article on the importance of keeping both our sinfulness and God’s grace in view. You can read it here.
